OK- I have my own proof on this...

I was a single mom for 13 years and still have that mindset... I believed in driving the wheels off a car... hating getting a new one... believe that putting money into a car is like throwing it out the window...

I grew up a Pontiac girl (1st car was a Ram Air IV Trans Am - Can you say Vroommmmm). I had 4 Pontiac Grand Prix's in a row - all with over 180,000 before I would finally cave and get another one.

Two years ago it was time for a new one... and off I go to get a new Grand Prix... my hubby informed me that we would not being buying another Prix... that I had to pick "the next level up"... I was NOT HAPPY! We proceeded to argue and fight about it for 2+ weeks... everyone in the office was laughing. I was fighting getting a new expensive car and he was fighting for me to have one...Role reversal....

I finally caved in when I figured out with my husband's company discount (this was prior to him coming into Real Estate Full Time) we could buy an Infiniti M35 for only $3500 more than my Prix. It is a nice car, I have to admit and while I lost the battle I ultimately won the war because I get to drive it everyday.

Now to perception.... I go to a listing appointment and sit down with the clients. At one point they are asking me for my experience, etc. and I am telling them. The guy says to me "well if you are doing so well - you should be driving a nice car" I tell him I am driving an Infiniti. I got the listing... This was a retired older gentleman, not very afluent at all, and his listing was only $175,000. I asked him later why it mattered what type of car I drove. He said that he wanted to hire a successful agent and if I had drove up in an older car he would think that I wasn't successful.

I hated telling my husband that story as I got the HUGE I told you so...

I may drive a nicer car these day but I am still a Pontiac driving, single mom at heart and I hate having a ton of money in something that everyone out there can use as a moving target to hit.

PS Yes I know that they have done away with my Pontiac's - I am wearing all black for a year)

I drive a bright yellow 2003 Subaru Baja. It's not luxurious, but it does make a statement. It's obviously not a REal-a-tor car, but it's unique enough that my clients always comment on it, positively. I like the idea that it's fun without being pretentious, just in case my client has some concern that I'm too uptight or stuck-up for their taste.

I wish they still made that model new. I would pick one up in a heartbeat. Have not found one resale that has not had the begeezus drive out of it though.

It all depends on the client. I drove in up in a 1997 toyota tercel 140,000 miles on it. I drive it because it get's excellent gas mileage and insurance is low because it is paid for.

Other commercial broker drove up in a big truck brand new built to the nine's.

I told the seller I focus on getting listings sold not shining my car. My presentation and the info I offered kicked the crap out of the other guy and I got the 3 million dollar land lsiting.

I am in GA where people aren't as shallow say in Cali. Yes in Cali some expect you to look a certain way because it's a fake world of insecurity,botox,and silicone.

At least I will decompose naturally and these other people will trash the earth forever with all the stuff pumped into them! LOL

Seriously if you do run in high end circles it is expected. Most everyday run of the mill folks could care less at least here in Ga.

It still has to be clean and presentable. I have seen brand new cars look 30 years old after how they are treated.

Are you referring to my Baja? I didn't know they stopped making them! It's been a fabulous car - at 80,000 miles, I've had no problems - just new tires & brakes & stereo...

Oh Jennifer playing that music to loud again! What's that I can't hear what you are saying....:)

Ursula,

You sound like me, except I'm a guy. I started in this business with a black 1998 Pontiac Trans Am. I actually still have it. Of course it is paid off. I love that car though, very slick and fast. I can fishtail through an intersection like there's no tomorrow.

I just recently bought a black 2006 Cadillac Escalade. Being that I hate payments, I paid cash for it. It is soooo comfortable! It is also a very professional vehicle to have around clients. So now I have my fast car and my luxury SUV. I couldn't ask for a better combination.

I think what you drive speaks to your clients. I have two vehicles - one is my buyer vehicle and MY FAVORITE and the other is my listing car. The two vehicles are: A Black Hummer-H3 and a White Mercedes Roadster. It's easy to guess which is which. The fact is that a seller wants to work with someone successful and they have a perception of what success looks like and to many of them it is not an economy car. Sad but true!

I love it! I would recognize you everywhere and it can go almost anywhere!

It took me many years to realize the enevitable. I drove a Honda Accord for years and didn't care what anyone thought about it, I guess that's the New York in me, lol.

I finally broke down and now I drive a Mercedes ML 550 which I LOVE. As long as I have a choice in the matter, I probably will be a Benz driver forever. It definetly makes a difference. Clients expect it and use it as a measure of your success. I have had many conversations with people regarding this over the years.

The biggest thing is I love the car and still dont care what the clients think lol. It was a gift to myself right before I turned 40 ....

I think every agent should own two cars,

One average car or truck to meet the average folks with and a luxury car or SUV for meeting the high end clientele.

If you drove over to an average home in a 150k luxury sedan you might end up intimidating those poor folks since they might not be able to identify with you easily especially if they are hurting in the present economy (they might even resent you if your car is worth more than their house), on the other hand if you showed up in a crummy car at an exclusive edition to sell a million dollar home they might not even let you past the gate.



(not meant as professional or legal advice)

my priority in vehicles is what I want or need...because it's MY vehicle. If I need to caravan a group of clients or agents around, I'll rent an appropriate vehicle, limo, etc. car rental companies rent almost every type of vehicle that exists.

I for one refuse to compromise who I am just to impress some snooty rich person. I am proud of who I am, and proud of my Honda Odyssey (but secretly wish it was a 67 Firebird, but oh well can't have everything) and if they don't like it, too bad.

I do know this - my Honda Odyssey has gotten me a lot of business and has me in the top ten for sold transactions in my MLS. A guy I know who has an Escalade and has the "image" is ranked #149.

In my opinion, worrying about image alone is BS. Just do the job, do it well, do it right and you'll be fine. A clean, reliable car in good condition is all you need.

F-150, I'm in truck country.

BMW Z3 because i refuse to drive people around. My car is not a taxi to drive you house to house. Instead of having to say that I just have a 2 seater haha.